PAK vs AUS Match Prediction : 3rd ODI, Australia tour of Pakistan, 2026

Pakistan and Australia head to Lahore for a decisive ODI with momentum swinging across the first two games. Australia struck back with a 41‑run win after Pakistan’s chase-led success in the opener, setting up a live series finale at Gaddafi Stadium.

We expect intensity from ball one with both sides leaning on form players. Pakistan will bank on Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan after late resistance in the last game, while Australia’s balanced attack featuring Nathan Ellis and Matthew Short has tilted the contest their way.

Pakistan vs Australia Head-to-Head Record

Over the last five ODIs between these sides, Pakistan hold a narrow edge with three wins to Australia’s two. Pakistan dominated a previous two-match stretch with big chase wins, but Australia have responded twice, including the recent 41‑run victory. The rivalry has swung in patches, and current form suggests a tight contest rather than a clear historical dominance.

PAK vs AUS Team Previews

Pakistan

Pakistan’s batting showed mixed control in the second ODI. Shadab Khan’s 71 off 104 anchored the reply, and Ghazi Ghori added 37 off 48 after making 65 in the first match. Babar Azam hit 69 off 94 in the opener but fell early last game, so Pakistan need their captain to extend starts into a big score.

The bowling has punch. Arafat Minhas took 5 wickets in the first ODI and followed with 2 more in the second. Shaheen Afridi produced 3 wickets last game and has struck in both matches this series. Abrar Ahmad has been consistent with 2 wickets in each of the two games. Haris Rauf continues to provide middle-overs breakthroughs with 2 wickets in the last outing.

Pakistan Expected Playing 11

Sahibzada Farhan, Ghazi Ghori (WK), Babar Azam (C), Abdul Samad, Agha Salman, Shadab Khan, Maaz Sadaqat, Arafat Minhas, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmad

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Australia

Australia’s top order found rhythm in Lahore. Cameron Green hit 53 off 92, while Josh Inglis compiled 51 off 74 to set a platform. Matt Renshaw has been the series constant with 61 in the opener and 43 in the second game, keeping one end secure.

The attack looks potent and varied. Nathan Ellis leads the way with 4 wickets in the last match after taking 2 in the opener. Matthew Short added 3 wickets in the second ODI and scored 55 in the first, underlining his all-round value. Adam Zampa chipped in with a wicket last game, while Tanveer Sangha has struck in both matches.

Australia Expected Playing 11

Matt Renshaw, Matthew Short, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Ollie Peake, Josh Inglis (WK), Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tanveer Sangha

PAK vs AUS Toss Prediction

At Gaddafi Stadium, captains often prefer chasing due to evening dew and truer stroke play under lights. We expect the toss winner to bowl first to control conditions and simplify the target.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

Gaddafi Stadium usually offers a true surface with even bounce and value for shots. New-ball seamers get brief movement before spinners come into play through the middle. With recent day heat, a par first-innings total should sit around the 270–290 range, with acceleration possible at the death.

PAK vs AUS: Who Will Win?

We give Australia a narrow edge based on bowling control and top-order stability across the last game. Pakistan’s attack can flip this quickly if Shaheen Afridi strikes early, but Australia’s varied options around Nathan Ellis and spin support tilt the balance. Our pick: Australia in a tight finish. Pro Tip: Back a wicket in the first powerplay for either side given early movement observed in both ODIs.

Bet on Australia to win.